Caption +Supporters of El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa got an opportunity voice their opinion during a protest in front of the El Paso County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, June 12, 2014. Tiffany Huntz (right) made a brief appearance to pose for the media and give a hug to Terry's wife, Vicki Maketa. A protest urging the resignation of the sheriff was held simultaneously in front of the building. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)

The wife of El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa has stayed out of the public eye since a scandal erupted in May over allegations the sheriff had multiple affairs with subordinates in his office.

That changed this week. On Thursday, she rallied in front of the Sheriff's Office with other supporters, holding a sign that read "Citizens for Terry." And earlier this week, a Facebook post attributed to her told supporters "Terry and I have a lot to work through because of the lack of respect and privacy we have been given by the media, but our marriage is strong and we are going to be just fine."

Vicki Maketa, who has been married to the sheriff nearly 28 years, gathered with supporters, including the sheriff's brother, in front of the Sheriff's Office for the rally. Tiffany Huntz, a Sheriff's Office dispatch employee who is accused of having an affair with the sheriff, came out of the office and gave his wife a hug.

Though Vicki Maketa spoke to other media, she refused to speak to The Gazette, saying "You'd better get away from me."

The Facebook page "Citizens for Sheriff Terry Maketa," launched less than a week ago, has a June 7 post attributed to Vicki Maketa, in which she said her husband "made a terrible mistake during a rough patch in our marriage 5 years ago." It was during that time when text messages from Maketa suggest he was having sex with a woman he promoted to comptroller.

"What has come out in the media isn't 'new', as it was all over the media in 2010," the message said, referring to a report in the Colorado Springs Independent. "The difference is that this time they didn't hold anything back, and a lot of people have been hurt in the process. Terry and I have a lot to work through because of the lack of respect and privacy we have been given by the media, but our marriage is strong and we are going to be just fine."

"Terry is in full support of the independent investigation that is taking place, but it will take time to complete. (In fact, he is the one who requested the investigation take place.)," the post continued, in part. "There is no doubt in our minds that Terry will walk away from this cleared of all illegal activity. We can only hope the media will have enough integrity to admit that and give the same attention to the truth as they've given to the absolute lies."

"Terry has done so much for the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, El Paso County and the state of Colorado, and I couldn't be more proud of his accomplishments. He is a good man, and he doesn't deserve what is being done to him."

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